Car Accidents

Car accident cases can be complex and insurance companies often leave people confused and upset. Hiring the right lawyer can make a big difference. It can also make your life a lot less stressful.

Some frequently asked questions after a car accident include:

Who is going to pay for my medical bills?

ANSWER: Many people think the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay their medical bills as they go. Unfortunately, this is not how it works. The at-fault driver’s insurance will pay one lump sum settlement at the end of a case which should include a figure for medical bills. Meanwhile, you are responsible for paying your medical bills. Health insurance should pay. Medical payments coverage under your auto insurance may also cover some medical bills.

Who is going to pay for the damage to my car?

ANSWER: The at-fault driver’s auto insurance should pay for the damage to your vehicle. You should also get a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. You may also use your own auto insurance to pay for your vehicle and your auto insurance will seek payment from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance through an arbitration process.

What happens if the driver who was at fault does not have auto insurance?

ANSWER: When this happens, you will be able to use uninsured motorist coverage under your own policy for damages. Similarly, if the at-fault driver does not have enough in policy limits to cover the damages caused by your injuries, you may use your underinsured motorist coverage available under your policy.

Was the accident caught on camera?

ANSWER: Maybe. Many traffic lights have cameras. It is important to contact the municipality where the accident occurred to find out if the accident was caught on camera.  You should do this soon after the accident to make sure the video is preserved.

What do I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance is offering me settlement money?

ANSWER: You should not settle until all of you have received all of the medical care you will need. You can settle your case only once. This is often referred to as “one bite at the apple,” meaning you cannot sue for more money after you settle. You may regret settling if you settle to soon after an accident. We advise people to talk to an experienced auto accident attorney before settling any case.

How much is my case worth?

ANSWER: Many factors and variables go into determining the value of a case. We advise people to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about what their case may be worth. Medical bills are only some of the damages available in a car accident case. Pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and loss of full mind and body are some of the other damages. Pain and suffering and loss of full mind and body are damages that are not based on a mathematical formula and may have significant value. Insurance companies often place too low a value on these damages. We believe these damages are real and that you should be compensated for what you lost in the past and what you will lose in the future because of your injuries caused by the accident.

Do I have a case even if I had pre-existing conditions?

ANSWER: Yes. The law compensates people for aggravations of pre-existing conditions. Our lawyers know how to prove that a medical condition was lit up or made worse by an accident. Despite what the insurance company says, people with degenerative changes and pre-existing conditions often real and serious injuries.

Our lawyers know how to manage a file from the beginning to end. We often settle cases without ever filing a lawsuit. But some cases require a formal lawsuit and we litigate these matters zealously. Our goal is that you achieve a fair and full recovery for your loss. We have the tools and resources to make you whole.

Our lawyers would be happy to talk to you about your car accident case and your damages to see how we can help you and what we can do so that you have a fair recovery for your injuries and damages.